31 Memorial Day Writing Prompts

Memorial Day is a nationally recognized day of remembrance to honor those that have died while serving in the military.

The day is to recognize their service and sacrifice and is an important part of American history.

How to use:

The following writing prompts can be used in any way you see fit. They are aimed to get you thinking and then writing.

You can pick a prompt at random, set a timer and write as much as you can within the time limit, or write one response every day for 31 days in a row.

It’s up to you, that’s the best part of writing creatively!

The prompts:

  1. What do you do to honor those that have passed on Memorial Day?
  2. Why do you think Memorial Day is always on the last Monday in May?
  3. Why do you think Memorial Day is a federal holiday?
  4. How is Memorial Day different from Veterans Day?
  5. How do you think we as a nation should honor this holiday? (Ex: moment of silence, special readings)
  6. Do you know a veteran? Write about them. If not, create a character and describe the life they lived while serving.
  7. What else would you like to know about Memorial Day? What do you think we should learn in school?
  8. Do you thank veterans for their service?
  9. Is Memorial Day the same kind of holiday as, say, Thanksgiving? How are they different?
  10. Why do you think it is called Memorial Day?
  11. If Memorial Day was a person, what would they be like?
  12. How can we be more considerate to those that have served in the military?
  13. Would you ever serve in the military? Why or why not?
  14. Do you think other countries have their own Memorial Days?
  15. When do you think Memorial Day started?
  16. Why do you think Memorial Day is observed in May instead of another month?
  17. Pretend you are having a conversation with someone who died fighting for our country. What would you say to them? What would you ask them?
  18. Do you think Memorial Day or Veterans Day was a holiday first? Why?
  19. Do you think there should be more days of remembrance for those who have served in our country’s military? Why or why not?
  20. How can you show kindness to a living veteran today?
  21. How do people typically observe Memorial Day? (Ex: a ceremony of remembrance, news stations air a moment of silence, etc.)
  22. What are the branches of the military? Which one would you most like to be a part of?
  23. Memorial Day used to be called “Decoration Day.” Which name do you prefer, and why?
  24. The poppy, a flower, has been adopted as the official symbol of remembrance. Do you think it is a fitting symbol? Why or why not?
  25. Write about what you will do next Memorial Day.
  26. Do you think Memorial Day should be a specific day every year, like May 30th for example, instead of the last weekend in May? Why or why not?
  27. What do you think the President of the United States thinks about Memorial Day? Write about their day.
  28. What can you do to remember Memorial Day all year long? (Ex: use these writing prompts throughout the year, write letters to veterans, etc.)
  29. How can we help the family members and loved ones of those that have passed serving honorably in the military?
  30. What kind of music do you think of when you think of Memorial Day? Why?
  31. Do you think we will always observe Memorial Day? Why or why not?

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